Arts and culture press releases

Laughably intelligent – two academics reveal the lighter side of learning at the Leicester Comedy Festival

A Loughborough professor and a former PhD student have joined forces to give a rib-tickling take on academic life at this year’s Leicester Comedy Festival.

Loughborough literary professor campaign for statue of 17th century writer Aphra Behn to be erected in Canterbury

A professor of 17th century literature is lobbying for a statue of playwright Aphra Behn to erected in the city where she was born.

Over half of UK theatres have now abandoned digital performances

When the pandemic hit, theatres were forced to move online, opening up new experiences for many people who would not normally visit playhouses and show venues.
U-too by Michael Shaw

Loughborough artist creates striking giant inflatable sculpture that ‘breathes’

Much like a cuttlefish responding to its background, U-too, the latest sculpture by Loughborough University’s Michael Shaw, changes the closer visitors get to it, reflecting their outline and clothing colours.

Sunlight falling through a tree

New £2.3m study to evaluate the social and cultural values of urban trees

A climate emergency has been declared by 74% of UK local authorities and many are responding to the issue by increasing their tree planting targets, as this will help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Illustration of women's faces in different colours

New project to record, curate and archive 50 years’ worth of feminist stories and memorabilia to secure the legacy of an extraordinary movement

Loughborough University and the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Dún Laoghaire, are working together to record, curate, and archive 50 years’ worth of oral histories and digitised records of feminist artists in Ireland and the UK.
Photo of one of the play orange and pink patchwork playmats Ella created on a bed of flowers

Textiles student creates playful installation for children with multi-sensory impairments as part of her final-year project

A final-year Textiles student has created an interactive play experience for children with special educational needs.

Ella Tysome book

Loughborough students design children’s books tackling tough issues and asking big questions

Three Graphic Design students have created books for children that tackle topics including dementia, the importance of accepting people who are different to us, and why we should be encouraged to think outside the box.

One Britain One Nation Day is the perfect vehicle for the government’s values campaign

The UK government has officially endorsed the celebration of June 25 as One Britain, One Nation (OBON) Day.

Art exhibition aims to raise awareness of the environmental impact of plastics

An online exhibition of art which explores the damage plastics and waste are causing the environment is being launched to coincide with the G7 summit taking place this weekend.
Michael Shaw stood in front of a inflatable sculpture

[FEATURE] Meet the maker: Michael Shaw and his inflatable masterpieces

If you walk by The Majestic in Leeds today, not only will you be greeted by the beautiful architecture of the Grade II listed building, you will encounter an 80m-long fluorescent pink and yellow inflatable sculpture that worms its way around the triangular shapes of the well-known city centre building, transforming it into an almost Beetlejuice-equse wonderland.
a cartoon having a conversation with friends

Friends: making audiences laugh by embracing the unexpected in conversation

The Friends reunion has undoubtedly been one of the biggest TV events of the year so far.

New video highlights the spying career of 17th century novelist Aphra Behn – England’s first professional woman writer

In 1666, Aphra Behn sat in her Antwerp apartment writing what would be another unanswered letter to her English spymasters.

Researchers explore ways to maximise arts and culture online

Coronavirus has forced the arts online with video streaming now one of the most popular and effective tools for allowing people access to culture.
Aardman animated characters

Loughborough academics join forces with Aardman to tackle mental health crisis

Young people struggling with mental health issues arising from challenges such as loneliness, perfectionism and competitiveness, will be supported by a series of new animated films and companion website.
Live streaming a theatre show

Electrophone: the Victorian-era gadget that was a precursor to live-streaming

As the battle against COVID-19 continues to rage, the plight of Britain’s theatres, which have suffered catastrophic financial strain thanks to lockdown, continues to rumble through the arts world.

New game aims to protect the cultural heritage of marginalised communities against disasters

A game has been developed to help people understand how cultural and natural heritage can be used for disaster risk reduction and sustainable development.
Authentic logo.

‘Are you for real?’: New webinar series to examine the significance of authenticity in the contemporary world

Authenticity has become a buzzword for our times. The travel industry is full of companies providing ‘authentic’ experiences, global brands fight to be seen as ‘authentic’ and social media platforms are awash with arguments about the authenticity of posts and even influencers.

Richard Deacon print.

Exhibition presents rare opportunity to see drawings by some of the most important and innovative artists working today

An unmissable exhibition that is said to be “akin to having a tiny Tate show in the East Midlands” is to open at Loughborough University next week.

An old illustration of a woman writing.

Why it’s not empowering to abandon the male pseudonyms used by female writers

In a letter to James AH Murray in 1879, the writer ME Lewes wrote “I wish always to be quoted as George Eliot”. She perhaps would not have been pleased by a new campaign from The Women’s Prize for Fiction and its sponsor, Baileys called Reclaim Her Name campaign.
Photo of Alice Burnhope wearing 'Nature to go' whilst stood next to wall hanging, 'Hang Out'.

Textiles student creates garments inspired by nature to help those that lack access to green spaces

Alice Burnhope is one of many final-year students in Loughborough’s School of Design and Creative Arts currently showcasing her work online as part of the annual Arts Degree Show.
Image of a bus stop shelter design for the 1960s Leicester art trail

Student uses illustration as a powerful tool to celebrate the stories of everyday people from 1960’s Leicester

Lauren Jefferis is a final-year Graphic Communications and Illustration student within the School of Design and Creative Arts at Loughborough University.
Amy Begent animation

Art student creates animation to celebrate coming out to her dad

Loughborough University Fine Art student, Amy Begent, made an animation for her final year project – featured in the Arts Degree Show – that celebrates the support her dad gave her when she came out to him as bisexual.

Office design concepts by Alexandra.

Musical fabric and walls you can play with: Meet the student who wants to use interactive textiles to mimic Japan’s zen atmosphere in your office

Imagine finishing a stressful meeting and nipping off to a quiet corner of the office to stroke the walls and press the table so the serene sounds of a Japanese zen garden play…
Branding of both the Art and Design Degree Shows merged into one

Loughborough University’s Art and Design Degree Shows go digital for the first time

On Tuesday 23 June, the University’s Art and Design Degree Shows will be launched as digital showcases for the very first time.